#but by its nature it is not the CLOSEST friendship set for any of them (again except natasha)

[cogentranting]

My hot take is that the Avengers never felt like a found family because they were never intended to. They were always meant to be a group that comes together and then separates again as needed. They're friends. Coworkers. But they were never meant to be a family.

The only exception is Natasha-- for her they were a family. And her bonds to the other Avengers in general are more significant. She's unquestionably family with Clint. She's very close with Steve. SHe's got mentor/big sister relationship with Wanda. She and Tony are close. She and Bruce had their romance. So for her specifically there is a found family aspect that's legitimate.

But for the others, I don't think you can criticize the Avengers for not feeling like a family because they're not supposed to.

[roukabi]

Back when the Nature Ancient was teased I was really hoping for lemur dragons. These creatures don't look like lemurs, nor do they look like dragons, but I like them. I call them Traipsers.

Design notes/trivia/what-have-yous under the cut:

The lore behind these dragons (though 'dragon' is really stretching it) is that they're compassionate, social creatures who live in troops upwards of 50 individuals. Led by three or four of the wisest troop members, Traipsers are known to lead lost travelers through the Viridian Labyrinth, or even house them temporarily within their canopy cities. In the rarest cases, a troop will gladly adopt rescued dragons and Beastclan into their ranks.

Though their gentle temperaments were widely respected by other rainforest denizens, the introduction of the fiercely combative Wildclaws drove Traipsers into hiding, up the tallest tree boughs of the Behemoth where their less dexterous cousins could not reach. For years and years they stayed out of sight, until strange shifts in the magical ley lines started to disrupt draconic way of life - including for Wildclaws. The Traipsers, despite their history, could not sit by and watch their neighbors suffer, so once again they emerged, ready to lend a helping hand.

Traipsers resemble a cross between tree frogs and lemurs. The long nail on the dragon's index finger is used in scratching, foraging and climbing. A large throat sac can inflate to make riveting ribbiting sounds. But Traipsers' most notable trait is their large head fans, which show off a wide array of colors for courtship and expressive purposes. Despite the dark bases of these fans looking like horns, they are actually mostly muscle, and house the ear canal underneath, similar to an elephant. The fans are attached at the back of the neck, and can move up, down, and side-to-side. The tails are too thin to be prehensile, but they can signal to other members of a troop like a flag.

Many of a Traipser's traits are used less for combat and more for communication, as they have not had natural enemies for most of their existence. In addition, Traipser culture values airtight troop relationships, agreeableness, and personal style. Rude, argumentative, or just plain headstrong Traipsers risk banishment from a troop. Loneliness is the worst kind of torture for a Traipser; without anyone to lend support, a loner tends to withdraw and shut down to the point of neglecting their own needs. It's usually after rescue by another troop that the loner 'learns their lesson' and becomes more agreeable. The generosity of a functioning Traipser society starkly contrasts the suffering of its more hotheaded individuals.

On the subject of style, it's not uncommon for Traipsers to decorate their fans with fruit dyes, leaves, stones, and whatever else catches their eyes. Paintings of family or friendship history are a very fashionable choice. Lairs function similarly, only more permanent and with large hanging nests for troops to cuddle in. The care of hatchlings is a group effort, where the parents will gather their closest friends and family to take turns watching over the young and teaching them about the world. Exposure to a friend group's diverse range of worldviews at a young age helps in forming strong Traipser minds.

Traipsers are not used to fighting, and will typically flee to their troop if confronted. If a troop should face danger, a handful of members will attack the opponent with rapid-fire, dizzying kicks and tail smacks, while the rest guard the weak. Lone Traipsers do not have the luxury of teamwork, and will resort to biting and scratching with their long canines and nails. A particularly desperate Traipser will grapple their opponent and attempt to dislocate or break bones, including the jaw.

Some image assets:

And there you have it! Fanmade dragons. This was a lot to do, I'm not sure if I'll add any more genes/assets. Nothing's set in stone, though! I like making fake things look real.

Traipsers are free-to-use with credit, and you can give them whatever genes or colors you want.

[sixeyescurseuser]

hybrids

Thinking about a Hybrid AU where Gojo and Geto are roommates.

While it can be very intimate to show someone else your hybrid features or even your full animal form, Geto is super open about his other half. Being a black panther hybrid, Geto grew up cuddling his parents and his younger twin sisters, and was generally very touchy with his friends. 

Gojo? Not so much. In fact, Gojo chooses not to bring up his hybrid side at all. On one hand, it’s meant to keep his privacy as a lot of people naturally flock to Gojo because of his handsome looks, and his status as the Gojo heir. 

On the other hand, Gojo didn’t grow up with a family that embraced their animal side like Geto’s did. So Gojo goes about his life suppressing his animal half. 

However, that doesn’t mean his animal behaviors don’t show up in other ways. It comes out when Gojo dances - ballet and contemporary - where his expression, elegance, and fluidity are not only a result of training, but also come from within. 

Geto is very nurturing in that he brings Gojo out of his busy bee shell. Makes their apartment extra cozy to lure Gojo into relaxing between his busy practice, performance, and class schedules.

Gojo also really likes that Geto doesn't pry about his hybrid side, or ask about his family when Gojo doesn't bring them up. It’s not a boundary Gojo had to set, but one Geto understands enough to respect.

The pair go grocery shopping together to decide what meals to cook. It helped develop their friendship because as a dancer, Gojo’s relationship with food has always been tough. Geto makes sure Gojo eats, not policing Gojo's sweets intake as long as he eats other nutritious things. 

Gojo needs his strength, after all. 

Because Gojo is always so busy, he’s prone to being moody and will not come out of his room for any reason. He will survive off of sweets and junk food if Geto does not deliver actual meals to his door. 

Geto is still in the period where he’s trying to figure out what Gojo is: “Is he a fucking honey badger or something? Geez…”

There’s a short period every month (or every other month, depending on the hybrid) where hybrids succumb to their animalistic instincts, which also manifest in physical features. 

Cue Geto walking around with his black panther ears and tail for a few days! Gojo loves touching the soft ears. 

Geto’s tail also has a mind of its own and loves curling around Gojo’s thigh or his waist. Geto concludes that Gojo’s waist is so tiny just so his tail could wrap nicely around it. 

It does scare the shit out of Gojo the first time it happens though, when they’re cuddling while watching a movie and Gojo shrieks bloody-mary, “SOMETHING JUST TOUCHED ME!?”

Geto’s ears flatten and he scoots away so they’re not touching, moving his tail to the other side. Gojo, for some reason, feels as if he committed a grave crime.

“Wait, I didn’t mean it. I was just confused. Please, come back~” Gojo pleads. Geto slowly wraps his tail around Gojo’s waist again, content.

Gojo, luckily, doesn’t manifest any physical features and hides his animal behaviors well. 

As they grow closer, Geto lets Gojo set the pace when it comes to physical intimacy. The first time Gojo cuddles up next to Geto while they watch a movie - Geto is screaming inside. He is so scared he’ll start purring and ruin the moment, and almost feels a purr slip out anyway-!

(Geto: "IT’S HAPPENING! EVERYONE CALM DOWN!!")

Their schedules even sync up enough that Geto sometimes picks Gojo up from his night rehearsal. Of course, Gojo's dance friends notice this handsome fella coming to pick up their dance prodigy, and ogle loudly. 

Gojo, who was gearing up for one more run through of his routine, locks eyes with his roommate before losing himself in the music. Somehow, a part of Gojo is excited to dance with Geto’s eyes on him. 

Though it’s difficult to admit, dancing is the closest Gojo feels to his animal side. And it’s not a terrible or shameful thing, despite what Gojo was taught.

And ever since meeting Suguru, Gojo has danced more passionately, with more joy, than ever before. 

One day, Gojo, wakes up to the end of the world. More specifically, the end of HIS world. 

While asleep, Gojo has shifted into his full animal form for the very first time. 

It must have been because he has gotten so comfortable with Geto, the panther hybrid so forthcoming with his animal instincts, cuddling and scenting Gojo every night…Gojo’s animal side must have felt compelled to come out and be free as well. 

Gojo squawks and flies over to his full-length mirror. 

Beady eyes and a tangerine beak, perched on a long, thin neck, stare back at him.

Panic is a drastic understatement of what Gojo feels right now. He’s in this unfamiliar form that he didn’t even ask to be in, with no form of guidance or comfort because Geto left for his morning class already. 

Gojo honks sadly, flapping his wings awkwardly.

What if he’s stuck this way forever!? Gojo decides to hide in his room for the foreseeable future. Until he shifts back to his human form. 

When Geto returns after his two classes for the day, it’s about dinnertime. He can’t seem to find his roommate anywhere, and receives no response when Geto calls his name.

What Geto does hear is a quiet shuffling in the pantry. Geto goes to investigate and is met with the sight of Gojo Satoru in his animal form, pitifully digging his face into a bag of bread. 

"Oh, oh Satoru..." Geto coos. The swan pauses its nibbling to face Geto with crumbs falling from its break, and lets out an unhappy honk. 

Geto puts his hands up and says, "Okay, stay put, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” 

Gojo stares at him for a few more seconds before plopping down onto the floor and hanging his head down low. Geto almost stays to comfort him but knows he must be more prepared than he is now. So he jogs to his room, pulls his phone out, and conducts quick but thorough research on anything he can find about swan hybrids. 

A swan, heavens, Geto had considered so many other possibilities. But never a swan!

Swans are pretty rare, he comes to learn.

Approximately eight minutes later, Geto returns. This time, in his full panther form.  

Gojo had moved to his own room, laying on the bed in an unhappy lump.

Geto read online that it's best not to overwhelm or stress those who have shifted for the first time. Plus, swans can be pretty aggressive over their nests and personal space.

Panther Geto now sits his rump down right outside the open doorway, chirping to let Gojo know he wasn't alone, and that he could come out to Geto if he so chose.

Gojo stares at his roommate, who looks so big and warm, and clearly wants to provide support in any way he can. With a huff, Gojo sits up, ruffles his feathers, and leaps down from the bed. 

He waddles over to panther Geto.

Geto's pupils dilate as the swan approaches because, "Satoru IS SO CUTE!"

Gojo walks right past panther Geto and heads to the living room. His webbed, flat feet make a “plat plat plat” sound on the ground, and his bum wiggles side to side with each step. 

Geto lets out a curious mrrrrp? noise before following his now tiny roommate.  

The two find themselves cuddling on the couch. Panther Geto purrs so loudly, it vibrates Gojo's entire body - which is tucked into Geto's side. 

They nap for the afternoon, and the next time they wake up, Gojo has turned back to human form! Thank god. 

“Let’s hope that never happens again,” Gojo says quietly to himself. He looks at the snoozing panther cozied up to his side and feels inexplicable warmth inside. Gojo pets Geto’s soft fur, then drops a kiss to his nose. “Thank you, Suguru.”

《2》

[blueberry-lemon]

Shouting into the Void about Palia, which has begun its open beta.

Palia is a "cozy sim MMO set in a fantasy world", as pitched by the developers at Singularity Six. If I had to set it up in one sentence, I would pitch it as something like "what if an MMO didn't need to have combat?"

Which is something I'm really excited about.

To clarify, I think the MMO term is slightly misleading. When you log on, you're sent to an instance of around 25 players or so, similar to how Sea of Thieves works. For what it's worth, I think this is actually a preferable experience versus being a "true MMO" with hundreds of people crowding around the town area. I think they made the right call.

Although I have some small critiques and some reservations about recommending Palia during its open beta state, I'm having a really fun, relaxing time and I'm really looking forward to how the game grows. Full thoughts below.

--- I'm sure people will be quick to compare Palia to Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. This is valid, and probably something the developer wants you to do. Like those games, Palia is about relaxing and having a good time in a simple town with charming NPCs.

That said, I think the closest analogs to how Palia works are actually Disney Dreamlight Valley and Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles. Dreamlight Valley I think is the most direct competition, so to speak. It's funny to see that another developer got to the multiplayer pie before Disney's teams were able to fully add multiplayer, lol.

In Palia, you dress up your character and you customize your home. I think the art is really great, and the animation has really impressed me. There's a great variety of outfits (although to be clear, 30% of clothing options are available from the start and the other 70% is, for now, premium currency only.) There's unfortunately only 2 choices of body type in the Open Beta, although the devs claim that more are coming.

There's a shocking amount of customization for your house and your lawn. At least, picture Animal Crossing: New Horizons but with better controls for dragging and dropping where you want everything. People who like setting up their plot of land will have a good time. You can even expand your property to make it larger.

The core of Palia's loop involves you hopping around between progressing the Main Story and progressing 8 different skills: Cooking, Hunting, Bug Catching, Gardening, Foraging, Fishing, Furniture Making, and Mining. In addition to this, you're progressing your friendship meter with the different NPCs and, if you'd like, selecting one to Romance.

There's some really smart innovations in Palia that I like.

For example, your Mining skill only increases when you PICK UP the ore loot that drops from destroying a vein of ore. Why is that? Because you're supposed to work together with friends and strangers. If the skill increased for each time your pickaxe struck the vein, then you'd get annoyed if your friend helped you, because working together would destroy the vein in less strikes. If the skill increased for destroying a vein, then only the person who got the "last hit" would reap the exp reward. In Palia, so long as a player strikes the vein at least once, the loot will drop for them when it's destroyed. This way, anyone around you can "get their hand on that ball" by helping strike the vein at least once. This encourages working together, sharing the loot, etc. The same goes for chopping trees: anyone who contributes at all will get the wood that drops. This naturally encourages people to work together. There's no reason not to, because you're not "stealing" the loot from anyone else or "stealing" the exp.

Cooking is the most fleshed out co-op experience from what I've seen. Recipes require ingredients and a stove or prep station. Then, when you start the recipe, you do minigames to chop ingredients and stir them. So long as any player contributes an ingredient or does one of the minigames, they get the full exp and the finished dishes from cooking, even if that contributing player doesn't have the recipe. So if your friend loves cooking, and has a bunch of recipes, they can initiate the cooking and then you can bring the mushrooms and do the chopping. Then you all get to level up and get the dishes.

Even activities like Fishing are more fun to do together. If you fish near someone else who's fishing, you'll both get a buff that makes the fish bite your hooks much sooner. It stacks higher the more you fish together.

Another smart innovation: a rework of the infamous "stamina meter." This time, it's a Focus Meter. If your Focus Meter drops to 0, nothing happens. You don't pass out, you don't starve, nothing. However, if you DO have Focus, you get a Exp Gain Multiplier. This encourages you eating dishes to stay well-fed without punishing you too strongly if you ignore it.

And then, lastly, the core conceit of the game: there's no combat or danger. Although there is a Hunting Mechanic, it's completely one-sided, like hunting deer (which the game is quick to tell you are overpopulated in the area.) You can't die, you can't get hurt, you don't take fall damage, you don't even have health, period. I think this is great at trimming the unnecessary parts of a game like this and keeping it truly relaxing.

Although I'm having a fun time, I can't wholly recommend the open beta of Palia for everyone. The game is still early in its life and is missing a lot of important UI/UX and central features. The Pause and Settings menus are pretty sparse. You can only have 1 character so far, there aren't multiple character slots. You can't even change your characters name once you've made it, so choose carefully. In addition, you might feel like there "isn't enough to do together" if you play with friends, which is similar to a complaint I have about Animal Crossing multiplayer. It's mostly a chill hangout game about fishing next to each other.

There are a lot of things in the game that still need to be fleshed out, but I'm really happy with the core structure they've set up. Once this game leaves Open Beta, I think it'll be an easier recommendation, especially for folks who have enjoyed Disney Dreamlight Valley. I think these devs are smart about how they're handling the core desire here: wanting to play a game like Final Fantasy XIV or Stardew Valley without having to worry about combat or stamina.

My partner and I love to play these relaxing zone-out types of games. While trying Atelier Ryza recently, my partner said: "I just want a game where you zone-out and pick stuff up off the ground." My friends, we finally found it. It's called Palia.

You can find the Palia Open Beta on PC, and the game is slated to release on Nintendo Switch.

[dumbslxtclub]

let me put my lips to something | e.m - part two

eddie munson x fem!reader

content warnings: fem!reader, adult language, adult themes, angst, hurt/comfort, some canon divergence/au, reader is 19, anxiety, ANGSTY angst, fluff, no use of y/n, mentions of cheating (eddie kisses reader while with chrissy)

word count: 2.1K+

a/n: big thank-you to @sidthedollface2 for this request! can't believe how many requests I received for a part two! and of course I'm gonna give you what you want, because I love ya x

taglist: @1paire2vans @spear-bearing-bi-witch @81rain @casmosmoon @eggo-segual @jazzycurls @bibieddiesgf

part one / part two

Guilt. 

It’s a funny thing, how cyclical it is in nature. 

A snowball effect, coming to terms with the ramifications of your actions, rendering you paralyzed with anxiety. Your friendship with the two people closest to you in the immediate blast zone, your guilt, a grenade without its pin. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Trapped by circumstance.

You know you should tell Chrissy, she has a right to know. If the roles were reversed, her pure heart couldn’t take harboring such a secret from her best friend, needing to make things right. But, unfortunately for you, you are not Chrissy. Selfishly, you don’t know how you’d cope with that. It’s almost unfathomable, the image of her Bambi-eyes widening, heart breaking in front of you as you confess the truth. Why couldn’t it be a different truth? Mistakes happen, and surely she could forgive an intoxicated kiss between long-time friends, unattached and purely platonic. But the truth is, you have feelings for Eddie and he feels something for you. Something he doesn’t feel for his girlfriend, a missing piece only you can give him. 

Eddie was right. This is so fucked up. 

As you bypass hoards of your peers in the school hallway, you feel as though you’re running on autopilot. Keeping up appearances, despite wanting nothing more than to seclude yourself and pray that this situation never happened. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best option. And that’s exactly what you’ve elected to do today. Keep your space from the both of them, withdraw and hope they can settle whatever differences lead to last night’s events. Distance yourself, at least for the moment. Let the wounds scab over before you pick at them again.

Successfully avoiding Chrissy for the first two periods, you’re thankful you don’t share every class together. You need time to rehearse your withdrawal. And withdrawal doesn’t have to just be physical, you pray you can get away with just nodding and smiling during your inevitable conversations. Her altruistic nature means she could see through any facade, and you need time to stabilize before hard questions are thrown your way.

Eddie, on the other hand, is nowhere to be found. His homeroom seat remains empty as it has countless times before, you deduce he must have skipped school today. You should feel relief. Instead, you feel a sense of longing. It’s terrible, you shouldn’t want to see him after everything. But last night, with the ebb and flow of your guilt complex, you experienced moments of clarity. A cruel irony, the sudden lack of guilt breeding more of the same. Recalling the plush lips brushing against yours, hitched breathing tickling the nerve endings of your cheeks, setting your skin alight. And then, cognisance around your apathy hits you like a freight train, a new wave of culpability causing you to double over. It’s useless denying how you feel about him now, it would barely make a dent in the whole situation.

You pass through the morning like a specter, there but not. Scribbling notes onto blank pages, hoping if you scratch hard enough it might alleviate the dread lingering in the pit of your stomach. Floating from class to class, cementing yourself to a quiet corner of the school for your morning break. Your apple tastes rotten, your muesli bar far too dry. Nothing digestible right now, it seems. Less than you desire, and more than you deserve.

Eddie remains unseen for the rest of the day, as does Chrissy. It’s not until you unlock your bike from the rack at the end of the day that you spot them. Or rather, the end of them.

Eddie’s van speeds away, leaving Chrissy in the dust, still in her cheer uniform. A striking image, something so perfect stock-still like a statue frozen in time, it doesn’t take much to deduce that what’s transpired isn’t good. Betraying legs carry you towards her before your mind can catch up. 

“Chrissy?” Words escape shakily, crossing the short distance between you. She doesn’t respond. You know a shell-shocked look when you see one. Like approaching a stray dog, you tread carefully and prepare for a bark or bite. 

“Chrissy-” 

She spins on her heel, the white’s of her beautiful eyes red with unshed tears. Anger. Heartbreak.

“Don’t come near me.”

Your stomach lurches, an ache penetrating your core, you feel as though you could collapse in on yourself. Willing that, at this exact moment, the earth beneath you might open and swallow you whole.

“I’m sorry-“ Is all you manage to get out before Chrissy retreats, beelining for the last school bus of the day. You’re smart enough to not follow her, knowing it won’t do any good right now. Teeth grinding together, your grasp on the handlebars tighten as you mount the bike and set off in a familiar direction.

Your knuckles rap against Eddie’s trailer door with such ferocity you’re sure it could break the fragile structure. Every inch of you is shaking, blood running cold with dread. You need answers, to start the Golithian task of fixing what you’ve broken.

The door swings open to reveal Eddie, standing in sweat pants and a very worn band tee. He looks like shit. 

“What did you say to her?”

“Good day to you, too.” His voice is weary, complimenting the dark circles beneath his eyes.

He always knew how to get under your skin. Shoving past him into the living room, the air is stale in the stuffy room.

“Don’t start with me. What happened?” Your tone is demanding, causing the taller boy to shrink into himself. His gaze shifts around the room, uncertainty rendering him speechless. “Eddie, what did you do?”

“I ended things. With Chrissy, after school.”

“Oh my god.” Running your hands along your flushed cheeks, you pace aimlessly around the room. “Why did you do that?”

“I just couldn't, anymore. The whole thing felt like a lie-“

“To you, it was real for her. Did you ever consider that?”

Eddie winches physically, bearing the brunt of your apathy towards him. Leaning on the kitchen bench, he needs all the support he can get right now.

“I never should have said yes to her in the first place.”

“Then why did you?!” Your emotions betray you, seeping into your words. You’ve played that day over and over in your head like a broken record, when Chrissy practically skipped towards you to announce her new Homecoming date. Relationships blindside you, rendering you incapable of seeing a world without your person. You knew things could have been messy, but never anticipated just how bad it could be. But it scared you even more to imagine a world in which everything went well. 

“I don’t know.” Eddie’s reply is mumbled, running his hands through his mess of curls. 

“Bullshit.”

Vulnerably, you are poking around for his truth. The silence that follows hangs thick, your gaze pressing on Eddie knowing you can crack him. 

“I thought if I couldn’t have what I wanted, I’d go for the next best thing.” His words are mumbled, shameful.

“What the fuck does that mean?”

For the first time since letting you in, Eddie’s sheepish gaze meets yours. He holds it, eyes softening with a sense of pleading. Communicating so much without uttering a word. And it hits you like a bullet to the head. It’s painful, the way you want to run and hold him, and the tension you experience from keeping yourself in place. You understand what he’s saying. And you refuse to accept it. You can’t.

“No…”

“Sweetheart-“

“Eddie, don’t-“

Surprisingly, Eddie chuckles, shaking his head. “Didn’t know it was possible to care about someone so much ‘til I met you.”

The pair of you remain perfectly distanced, neither daring to move a muscle. Two stars stuck in orbit, the only force keeping you together is the fact you’ve been doing it for so long. Biting the tender flesh of your cheek as you have so many times before, it offers little relief. You’d love to say something, anything, to stop what’s about to be disclosed. But you’re numb, quietly despondent.

“Thought you’d leave sooner. I mean, here’s this girl. Pretty as hell, loads of friends, treating me like a person? Felt too good to be true. Thought the day in the library was a one-off, was sure you’d never stick around. I mean, why would you? And then you did and- I just didn’t want to fuck that up. Didn’t want to lose you, even if that meant caring about you from afar. And then Chrissy-“ He signs, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “- I dunno, I guess I thought I could convince myself to care about someone else. But I just- I fucking couldn’t. I tried, I really did. But, It just never felt right. It never felt like you. I always wanted you, and it fucking killed me. You don’t know what that feels like.”

Eddie’s vulnerability dries up your mouth, leaving it incapable of formulating a response. But your expression betrays you in ways you were oblivious to. Eddie studies your expression, desperate for validation. Wide-eyed like a baby cow, big and helpless. And something shifts. A quiver in your lip, an exposing softness in your glossy eyes. He sees it. Finally.

“You feel the same way, don’t you?” There’s an air of finality to his statement that sets you on edge, backing you into an emotional corner.

“No.” You lie through your teeth, and Eddie doesn’t believe a second of it. It’s vile, the way guilt transforms to pining. Undeserving.

“You do.” Eddie takes a pace towards you, and you don’t move. You don’t think you could if you tried.

“Eddie-” Voice barely a whisper, Eddie closes the gap between the pair of you. Running a hand through your scalp, you can’t help but melt into his touch, electricity coursing through his fingertips. It’s embarrassing, really. The effect his touch has on you, rendering you drunk, right there for him to bear witness to. Wrapping you in his musky scent, the marriage of cigarette smoke and cologne. Deliciously Eddie. There’s no use lying, not now. Fingertips trace their way along the frame of your face, snaking around the crook of your jawline. It’s heavenly. Lips ghosting above yours, breath intermingling as a sigh betrays you, causing Eddie’s grip on your jawline to tighten slightly.

“Tell me you don’t want it, and I’ll stop.” His tone is firm yet sincere, the trust between you palpable. No inebriation to scapegoat your actions now, the burden of blame is purely on you. You say nothing. And your silence is a response in itself.

Agonizingly slowly, Eddie lowers his lips to yours. A suggestion of skin on skin, so many unseized moments to back out, to stop. But every fiber of your being, every screaming nerve ending on your sensitive lips, cries out for more. Muscles soften at his touch, sinking into him. His lips catch you, warm and soft, finding yours with tenderness. It’s different, without the haze of a high numbing your senses. You feel him fully. The brush of his hair, curls falling around your face, tickling receptive skin. How his exhale feels like a caress, nose bumping against yours as his lips embrace yours. The expertly subtle flick of his tongue exploring your parted mouth, an invitation of more. But what buckles you, causes a coil to tighten in your belly, is the groan. Subconsciously emitted from deep in his throat, an unintentional byproduct of mutual wanting. Laced with hunger. Relief. The sweetest sound you’ve ever heard.

And you know, right then, you need to stop. The temptation is beckoning, Eddie’s grip providing much needed comfort, solace between his lips. You could stay there eternally. Which is precisely the problem.

Before a moan can expose your neediness, you find the courage to mutter the only word flooding your mind.

“Eddie.” 

He breaks away, lips feeling suddenly entirely too empty, buzzing from his touch. He sighs, holding the minute distance between the pair of you.

“I know. You can’t have it all.”

As if to keep him locked in place, your hand wraps around his, relishing in the cool sensation and grooves of his rings. 

“Just- let me try to fix things with Chrissy first. She deserves that.”

Eddie nods, forehead pressed to yours. In another universe, the two of you could remain there, witnessing each other for an eternity. But you need to try to make things right, regardless of whether your guilt is absolved.

“Sure. You know where to find me.”

[stuckinapril]

hi! do you have any advice on how to deal with a friendship that’s slowly fading away? i don’t know what exactly happened that caused it and i can’t confront it because she hasn’t made any effort to nurture our bond and is rather ok with things being this way so i doubt she cares. still, she was one of my closest friends and i don’t really know how to grieve right now

it happens. that’s just the nature of life—things are constantly ebbing and flowing, in a never-ending state of change. one day you’re really close w someone, and then you randomly wake up the next morning and feel a little differently. there’s nothing inherently wrong w that. the sooner you come to terms with the fact that we’re constantly going through phrases, the easier you’ll accept that people’s dispositions towards you inevitably shift. this is not to say that you should be okay w erratic behavior—consistency breeds security—but more so that no one is immune to change. that could have very well happened w your friend. and that’s completely okay.

if someone is drifting out of your life, you’re doing a disservice to yourself by expending energy thinking of ways to lock them down. why would you want to lock someone down, when they don’t want to be in your proximity? bc of the nostalgia factor? that’s the same thing as being in love with potential, even if at some point the person lived up to it. it no longer exists. you want to focus on what the relationship is actually giving you in the present day. from the sounds of it, all it’s adding to your life atm is stress.

do the rational thinking. accept that maybe your friendship is nearing its end, and really, really allow yourself to feel the pain that accompanies that. vomit it into writing. cry about it. never resort to suppressing. remind yourself that no love given is ever love wasted—there’s no such thing as “i wasted my time on this person.” this person still provided sweet memories, and learning experiences, and that’s invaluable whether or not they’re still in your life.

ask yourself what you’re saying about you by holding on so tightly to a person who doesn’t want to be held on to at all. are you saying this is what you deserve? that your time isn’t worthy of people who want to be your friends? our time is literally our most valuable currency. by spending so much as a precious second on this person, you’re blocking other blessings from being in your life. we’re not here forever. for all we know, the life we’re given is the only life we’ll ever have, so honor that by letting go of things that no longer elevate it in any way.

adjust your expectations, mourn the death of the friendship, set the intention, and let it go. letting go does not mean the friendship was never a thing, or doesn’t matter to you—just that you recognize that it has run its course, and that you’re making space for something better for this chapter of your life. and given we’re in the presence of 8 billion people on this planet, something better will no doubt come around eventually.

[diskaywrites]

Fluffvember 2024

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭 #𝟐𝟐: 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐱 𝐉𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 (𝐨𝐜) 𝐱 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 ((𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜)) 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟:

.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽

One of Austin Matelson's favorite places in the entire world was the inside of a natural history museum. While he was working PWG shows on the weekend, sometimes he would poke into the local museums just to see the exhibits. As a man with a masters in a historical field, learning had always appealed to him, though he completely understood that it was not everyone's cup of apple-cinnamon tea.

It certainly didn't seem like the cup of tea that the twins he found himself the surrogate father to enjoyed.

He wasn't quite sure how he had ended up with Jack and Jill Perry following his every move like hatchlings to their mothers. Maybe it had to do with Jack and himself being paired together during training. The curly haired young man, boy really, had latched onto Austin like a baby bird, though instead of constant squawking, Jack had been near mute. Austin was thankful for the little sign language he knew, able to communicate basically with Jack. It wasn't very long into the friendship that, one night after training, Jack had wordlessly tugged Austin behind him into his apartment to meet the other half of the twins, Jill. She was just as quiet, at first, but as the trio grew closer, Jill became more open and bubbly.

They became the closest to children that Austin had ever imagined having.

That meant making sure that the two were well-fed and, after moving in, that the house was running smoothly. In the beginning, the hardest thing was getting used to the twins routines. Jill and Jack had been so set on relying on only each other that the fact he had been let into their lives was special. Austin had done his best to let the two into his own routines. That included the museum trips and the special modifications it took for the other two to enjoy it.

Austin had to make sure that the travel bag was packed with the things they needed for the day. Jack needed a fidget that kept his fingers busy, something like a stress ball or fidget spinner, while Jill never went anywhere without her stuffed Curious George. Austin had only asked her about the animal once, the sad look on her face telling him everything. It was a present from her father. Austin had never asked again, simply accepting the doll to be part of their lives like the headphones she wore everywhere.

The fidgets and the headphones hadn't made the sensory experience of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum any easier.

The smell had been the issue for the twins, the rotten egg stench even a little overwhelming for him. Jack had been easier to help regulate. Jill, on the other hand, had needed to go into the museum building to get away from the smell. The trio had circled the gift shop and every time they passed it, Austin noticed that Jill's eyes were drawn to a new plush.

It was a triceratops, a brownish orange in color with brown horns in the same color as its frills. The inclusion in the stuffed animals of the tar pits was baffling to Ausin, seeing as how the tar pits were known for their Smilodon and mammoth, but it was there none-the-less. Jill's hazel eyes kept finding their way to the animal and so, when she and Jack left to go get a drink from the fountain, Austin made sure to pay for both that and a Smilodon for Jack.

He met them at the fountains, presenting the bags to their new respective owners. Jill squealed as she pulled the triceratops against her face, nuzzling it with closed eyes. She seemed so happy to have it in her grasp, cradling both her Curious George and her triceratops with equal adoration. Jack beamed as he placed his Smilodon in the pocket of his jacket, peeking out as if the animal was happy to see them. The siblings tossed their arms around Austin in a warm hug, which he returned.

If dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures were the way to their hearts? He'd keep that close to his own for the rest of his days.

[iuuua]

oooh i forgot to talk about hazbin hotel after i finished it.

loved it. satisfied the musical deep inside of me. the characters are so charming and its a really fun show expressing incredibly horrible stuff. if u think abt it even just a little past face value its really deep and sends u down into a rabbithole about what the characters are, what it really means to be a sinner, and how loopable the songs are.

my only complaint is that its so short. its 9 episodes including the pilot where every key moment is perfectly encapsulated in those episodes yes, but because they chose to develop the characters per episode (which was absolutely the right choice btw) the whole "friendship" theme suffered. let me explain; the characters are well developed enough and interact enough for you to get what their overall dynamic is, but theres no episode that really focuses on them getting closer with each other. the show was so busy, im not sure where they could have put it; basically im saying the show wouls have fared well with a little filler. in 8 episodes they breezed by 6 months... those interactions would have made the finale soo much better. i was not *convinced* of the found family trope thing (bc thats what it is you cant tell me otherwise), but its a good idea to let the audience fill those gaps themselves.

i have mixed feelings whether to support vivzie because i heard her treatment of animators was horrible-- thats the worst part about this whole series honestly. idk if vivzie is a good person or not... but hazbin hotel is definitely amazing.

EDIT HERE: i watched a video saying the accusations against vivzie are false so, thats out of the way, i guess. dont worry too much about it, im not gonna do more research but if any of you do pls lmk!

my favorite song is poison, apart from the fact that its the closest to my usual genre, i love the mv. the choreography is so fluid and unsettling. the little details, you can tell angel is putting on a mask and the voice acting? chefs kiss. love it. the mv is so r18 but i cant help rewatching it its just so good the choerography videography the subtle meanings RAH. i also love the instrument solos in hells greatest dad, it really surprised me when lucifer pulled a violin out of nowhere lmao but god do i hate that minty girl, ruined such a good song. stayed gone is also so strong and its funny to see vox put in his place lmao. im addicted to alastors radio filter, such character. i reluctantly love adam and lute's song parts because their voices are so good and i love rock music but fuck i hate the characters.

charlie is just so lovable and would be generic in literally any other setting but because of the nature of the show she sticks out and that forces readers to pay attention to her and if you didnt already love her you WILL.

not sure what else to say but if ur 18+ GO FOR IT!! lots of tw since its hell, off the top of my head sex, abuse, cursing, cannibalism, assault, violence. there must be more but itd be better to look that up instead. have fun watching!

[fantastic-mr-corvid]

philia 2, 3, 4 and agape 2!

Oohh ty Romeo! for this ask game - rest of the questions under the read more, i had a lot to say

Philia

2, Does your OC find it easy to make friends? Or are there barriers to them doing so? If so then are these due to issues of inclination, communication, or something else entirely?

Gonna go with Rametta<3 She struggles making friends because shes learned from a young age that her peers are also her competition. Like her older bother, when she was at school she was seen as a weak boy and so had to go above and beyond to prove her worth and skill, and her ability to be a threat. Luckily for her, Muros protection meant she managed to successfully prove herself- unlike Conficcare. Her closest friend [other than Cecio who is practically a sibling to her] is Amelia, but for most of school they were rivals, both competing to be the leader of their year, though unlike Celias year, they had a lot of respect for each other and the fight for power was not as deadly- Muro and Tesoro both keeping a close eye on the power struggles of the kids after the disaster of their year.

That is to say shes pretty bad at making friends. She had a 'weakness' that she had to make up for meaning she was very hostile to others, and was set apart as Muros protege and Conficcares younger sibling, meaning a lot of people trying to befriend her had ulterior motives, not to mention many kidnapping attempts to use her against her family- including the one that ended with Muro dead in her place.

Shes often a cold and distant bitch but there's a reason she likes keeping people at arms length, even after she gets her stand and later takes over from Muro. in a way shes so used to the tight knit and very dependent family Conficcare brought her into, that she rellied on them as both her friends and family.

3, What qualities does your OC most value in a friend? Loyalty? Shared sense of humour? Or something else?

Elena is fairly similar to Celia in that she wants honesty in a friendship, especially when shes an adult. She exists in the cut throat world of art, so she has to really trust people if shes going to let her walls down. She also tends to group with the other outsiders, finding solidarity in their battle against the nepotism and favors for friends that run rampant. she will never be truly honest about her childhood and teens, but being around people who also understand poverty and discrimination makes her feel less isolated and alone.

4, Is your OC able to build close friendships with people very different from themselves? Perhaps in terms of culture, age or personality?

Tesoro is very good at bridging gaps between himself and others. Notably he [and Elena] showed interest in popular culture and critical analysis of it, especially things such as queer & feminist readings at school, and this lead both to having excellent grasp on the english language, allowing him to get to know more people and interact with more writing. He loves doing so, especially people with different life experiences, partially to expand his knowledge so he can manipulate more people but also because he loves learning of lives other than his own, and what possibilities exist out there.

[semi related- he has a print out of Barbara Krugers "you conduct intricate rituals which you allow you to touch the skin of other men" hung up in his usual corner of the gym because he finds it funny given most people around him don't understand english enough to get what its saying and how its applying to them]

Agape

2, Does your OC feel a spiritual connection to the world around them? Do they have a particular love for nature or living things?

Gonna answer for Georgie here! he very much does, from his animals to any living thing, and especially the nature around him! he is a great believer in spirituality and fate and can be even more superstitious than the farming community around him.

[pmkscanlations]

PMK DVD Booklet Interviews 5

Thanks to @/pmkloveadmin and their kind friend yuunsoba who provided the raws for these interviews! Here’s the fifth set; please enjoy!  I’ll be posting the final set tomorrow!

STAFF COMMENTARY Kimiya Shigeru (Director)

I believe the production work has currently reached its climax, but please tell us your frank impressions as the director of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies.

I’ve always wanted to direct something based on the end of the Edo period, so I was delighted to come across this. In particular, I’m a fan of the Shinsengumi, so seeing all the typical characters like Kondo and Hijikata made me excited. I’m also glad that I got to know the lesser-known member Ichimura Tetsunosuke through it.

In working on this movie, were there any things you kept conscious awareness of?

Above all else, I tried not to change the flavor of the original work. I also thought carefully about the art setting and tools etc., because even though it’s a fictional work, the audience won’t be immersed without creating the world view of the Bakumatsu era. Finally, I was careful not to turn the enemies into mere villains. After all, even with the differing factions, the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate was an era where everyone simply lived according to their own ideas and ideals.

Tell us about a scene you had a particularly hard time directing and put a lot of time into. Please let fans know if there are any points in particular that you want them paying attention to.

There are plenty of parts that mirror real historical fact, so I took care to pay extra attention to Saito’s death chronology records and its consistency with historical timelines. I had the hardest time deciding how far to adjust historical facts and which parts to arrange. Though it’s a small detail, I tried to add a natural Tennen Rishin-Ryu flair to the way they drew and cut with their swords.

In a nutshell, how would you describe Peacemaker Kurogane from the view of a director?

An ensemble drama full of tragedy. As far as easily understood examples go, there’s the budding love between Saya and Tetsunosuke, the brotherly love between Tetsunosuke and Tatsunosuke… All of the main characters in this work are fighting for someone else while suffering. I think even Suzu, who has fallen into the dark path of revenge, still does it out of his admiration and affection for Toshimaro Yoshida. I think there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what relationship diagrams and so on they think up for their favorite characters.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

In part two, the Shinsengumi will be swallowed up by the times as the battle of Toba-Fushimi starts. It focuses on the previously invincible Shinsengumi suffering its first defeat, and the friendship between Tetsunosuke and Yamazaki, who are each struggling with their own ways of life. Last year marked the 150th year anniversary of the Meiji Restoration. I would like to consider this work a bouquet dedicated to it.

Eiji Umehara (Script & Series Composition)

Please tell us your first impressions for being in charge of the script for this work.

It was a very meaningful and rewarding script to do. I remember rushing to buy Shinsengumi-related books at the bookstore on the day I got the script order. The original work is quite dense and complex. If you move this, you can’t draw that, and if you add this, then that becomes a contradiction. On top of that, it has some heavy drama. While scripting, I often thought things like, “Chrono-sensei often draws things like this, huh?” and “the staff who chose to make this into a movie were brave”.

Where did you stick close to the source material, where did you struggle, and where did you pay the closest attention to?

I always asked, “do they both reflect the feelings of the characters?” The plan was to start filming immediately after the Aburanokoji Incident. So at this point, for example, Shinpachi and Sanosuke had just lost Heisuke, Tetsunosuke discovered the depth of Suzu’s darkness, Tatsunosuke saw how powerless he was… Everyone’s feelings and situations were quite dire. After writing, I was immediately thrust into having to put them all together in the movie and it was a bit more of a barrier than I expected.

As the screenwriter, are there any scenes you want people to pay particular attention to?

First of all, probably the scenes with Tetsunosuke and Saya in general. Even with all of the various things happening, these two make up the main axis of the drama in the first part. Then, the scenes with Hijikata and Okita. As I mentioned, because the original work was so dense, I didn’t have much space to add original elements. However, I wanted to dig down and see a bit more in-depth interaction between these two in particular, so I added back a few scenes that would have been omitted originally.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to watch. While writing the script, I read and re-read the original series and related books many times and became entranced by the world views there. I’m proud to say I’m a decent Peacemaker Kurogane fan, but I’m sure all of you are even bigger fans that I can’t even compare myself to. All staff members brought their all in facing this behemoth of a work by Chrono-sensei. I’d appreciate it if there were parts that tugged on everyone’s heartstrings even a little.

Yoko Shiraishi (Producer)

This work has numerous different forms of media. How did you settle on a movie?

Actually, I’ve been working on Nanae Chrono’s other series since Vassalord. Though that serialization is ending, I heard about Peacemaker Kurogane starting up again and asked if I could take part. We started with talk of a drama CD first but then eventually started discussing a movie instead. It’s been a long time since I’ve made a movie, so I wanted to draw the main character Tetsunosuke with my full heart. That’s why I designed the movie after the theme of the two partings that occur after the Aburanokoji Incident, and Tetsunosuke growing up during it.

From the producer’s point of view, what is Peacemaker Kurogane? Where does its power lie?

I drew the Shinsengumi head-on, parallel to their historically factual story. The Shinsengumi began its decline after the Ikedaya Incident. In it, characters are running away and worrying without caring about looking cool, which felt very human. I was able to empathize. I also cried several times when reading the original when people would die, because my feelings for that character and those around them were so chaotic. As far as characters go, I like both Shinpachi and Susumu, but Tetsunosuke is the one that makes me feel the most emotion.

Did any scenes or lines leave a particularly big impression on you? Please explain why.

The scene where Tetsunosuke and Susumu use Tatsunosuke’s loincloth to play a prank while they’re practicing shooting. I loved how the three had this relaxed conversation in the middle of an otherwise tense movie. Outside of that, the scene where Okita asks Hijikata, “can I have a rifle too?” Even if Okita’s body is yielding, he still wants to be of use to Hijikata and the Shinsengumi. On the other hand, Hijikata wants Okita to live as long as possible, so he doesn’t want to force him too hard. When feelings differ like that, it’s painful and leaves a deep impression.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

Thank you for watching part one of the Peacemaker Kurogane movies. Part two begins with the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, and things just get rougher for the Shinsengumi from there. But there are still plenty of scenes well worth watching, like their actions and the appearance of a certain nostalgic person. Please look forward to it. I hope everyone will continue on to watch part two.

Toshiki Denyama (Sound Director)

What was your first impression after reading Peacemaker Kurogane for the first time? Did the drama CD or anime change that?

When I think about the path from prosperity to ruin that the Shinsengumi, which bloomed like a flower in a troubling time, took – it imbues the characters with a sort of endearing sadness as they struggle bravely and desperately to live. The already harrowing story of loss becomes even more poignant in movie form. But it’s impressive that a certain level of transparency exists in depicting the hearts of these characters.

Various scenes exist in this show, ranging from daily life to serious matters of life or death. As sound director, what did you keep in mind while working?

Seeing these characters all trying to move forward with deep trauma, it lit a fire in my heart and I decided it was my mission to bring that theme into my work. At the same time, when drawing the Shinsengumi – a dying force – I always kept “partings” and the reason why “here and now” is so precious in mind to explain the regret seeping through the story. That’s remained the same even through the movie.

There are plenty of interesting characters, but do you relate to any on a personal level? Please tell me why.

It’s the second division captain, Nagakura Shinpachi. Rather than just calling him a favorite, it’s more like I want to watch over him. Historically, he survives, so I’m sure he’ll survive in the series. But then I think about what he would have thought, crossing the turbulent times into the Meiji era. I imagine that the weight of his losses and the proof of his life are immeasurable, along with the depth of his feelings.

Finally, please leave a message for the fans who watch this series.

I think people may not be able to fully realize just how precious the “now” is. Even if you think it’s important now, you’ll have to wait until later to truly feel the weight of that importance. I think that’s why stories like this, which depict the bright souls of people who once lived, shake our hearts. Please stay tuned for more!

[seafavoured]

❛  sometimes you should let others in.  ❜ @pyratezlife / silver.

𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄, 𝐔𝐍𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐃 & 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐄. a sharp puff of air escaped him that might've been a sigh. whether its nature was irritated or exhausted was difficult to say, but smart money's on both. he leaned against the balcony side of his beachfront manor and stared out across the water. crests of its gentle waves caught in the setting sunlight and rolled their steady ebb and flow against a glittering shoreline. ❛ strange, i don't recall asking your opinion on the matter. ❜ but perhaps that wasn't fair. he regretted that dry, drawling tone the moment he curled his tongue around it.

❛ i'm sorry. ❜ spoken with the uncertain, faltering cadence of one who didn't say such things often. didn't apologize often. it felt foreign in his mouth. the sleeves of his dress shirt were rolled up to the elbows, and he propped his freckled forearms atop the railing. ❛ you and i, we're friendly enough, yes? or ... something like it, at least? ❜ he ventured, and seemed to be arriving to some forgone conclusion. it was accurate : silver was likely the closest thing he had to a companion at this point in his long life. fed up with hornigold, divorced from ned. did anne count? he'd bailed them out of prison enough times, but neither he nor she were the sort to name a friendship aloud.

hands clasped in front of him. he stared down at the pale strip left behind where his wedding ring once sat. where his usual tan had once met with it, only a band of fair skin remained to advertise its absence. the only reminder it had ever been there at all. ❛ how would you go about ... letting someone in ? i'm not sure i know how any longer. ❜ he can't say the words move on. can't quite admit that he's ready to do so, and leave countless centuries of his life behind. and then, as if struck by the sudden need to know, blurted, ❛ do you think i'm too severe ? dull? that i'm a workaholic? ❜

the question was too specific to be idle curiosity. as if he was echoing the words of someone else back. indeed, it had been a mutual split, but those were some of his own failings pointed out by his ex husband. why they occurred to him now of all times, he couldn't say. ❛ what if it's too late? if i'm too old to let someone else in? ❜

[too-destiny-panda]

Wyllvember Day 19: OTS/BroTP

A/N: My favourite hellish duo! I don't take Karlach with me nearly as much as I should. Anywho, as usual credits go to @sagscrib, and I'm additionally tagging @commander-yinello WC: 527

Wyll made friends easily. Even in his youth where many children were intimidated by his father’s status, he still managed to befriend people from various backgrounds. Of course, the quantity and quality of friends diminished as he grew older, but he still had some peers to make fond memories with. Still, his closest friendship would blossom during unimaginable dangers.

When he first met Karlach he was dead set on killing her, his view of her skewed due to Mizora’s words. But her memories overall attitude suggested other wise and turned his world askew. Once they had taken care of the so-called paladins, he witnessed the remnants of her rage, and understood that the state she was in was in no way her own choice. Who would wish to burn so hot they were practically unable to touc anyone or anything? He personally couldn’t imagine not patting someone on the shoulder for a job well-done or grasping it for support as he laughed.

After that, they quickly grew closer, bonding over their home as Karlach had an infinite number of questions about how much Baldur’s Gate had changed since she was traded off. Her sense of humour and overall energy, almost puppy-like at its core, made proverbial warmth radiate from her. She was always excited over the small things, and though she sometimes veered into ‘fuck around and find out’ territory that was mostly just encouragement for Tav to do stupidly absurd things, she wasn’t naïve. She simply learned to derive happiness from whatever scraps she could gather in the Hells, and Wyll supposes he wasn’t so different when he was exiled and trying to find himself.

 They became extremely good friends, their humours so similar in nature it almost seemed like they were constantly laughing while in each other’s presence. When Dammon gave Karlach her second engine upgrade, the second person she hugged after Tav was of course Wyll. And although it was clear it has been a while since she had to control her strength while hugging someone, shown by the minor bruising she left him with, he wouldn’t have her hugs any other way. Because her physical touch embodied her. The way she is both eager, sometimes too rash but always making sure everyone she cared for was comfortable. It warmed his heart to see her slowly gaining back her old self she locked away for her safety for over ten years. It warmed everyone’s heart to watch them interact with each other.

When the final battle was over, the tadpoles expelled from their eye sockets as they perished, the remnants of the mind flayer forces gradually being destroyed, there was only a split moment of happiness and relief before concern came back full force as Karlach groaned in agony at the docks. She was fully ready to die, but her friends were not. So, in only a few moments and understanding glances from his lover, the trio set off into the Hells, determined to find a way to help the fiery tiefling back to normalcy. And she was certain that with the Blade of Avernus and the Hero of Baldur’s Gate, they would succeed.

[lucifer1965]

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When shopping online in the Maldives, consider these popular styles:

Gold Necklaces: Timeless and elegant, gold necklaces can elevate any outfit. They are perfect for both casual wear and formal occasions.

Silver Necklaces: Offering a more understated elegance, silver necklaces are versatile and can be paired with various outfits. They often come in intricate designs that highlight craftsmanship.

Beaded Necklaces: These playful accessories add a pop of color to any ensemble. Beaded necklaces often feature vibrant colors and unique patterns, making them perfect for casual outings or beach days.

Best Friend Necklaces: Ideal for gifting, these necklaces often come in matching sets that symbolize friendship. They can be personalized or designed to complement each other beautifully.

Why Buy Online?

Shopping online for necklaces in the Maldives provides several advantages:

Convenience: Browse through various collections from the comfort of your home.

Variety: Access a wider range of styles and brands than what might be available locally.

Exclusive Designs: Many online retailers offer exclusive designs not found in physical stores.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Necklace

Consider Personal Style: Think about what styles resonate with you or the person you’re buying for—classic, trendy, or bohemian?

Material Matters: Choose materials based on skin sensitivity and personal preference. Gold is hypoallergenic, while silver may require more maintenance to prevent tarnishing.

Occasion: Consider where and when the necklace will be worn—daily wear may require something more durable, while special occasions allow for more elaborate designs.

Layering Potential: If you enjoy layering your jewelry, look for pieces that complement each other in length and style.

Gift Options: For gifts, consider personalized options or sets like best friend necklaces that add sentimental value.

Conclusion

Buying beautiful necklaces online in the Maldives opens up a world of possibilities filled with stunning designs and quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re drawn to elegant gold necklaces or playful beaded options, there’s something perfect waiting for you. Embrace the beauty of Maldivian jewelry by exploring top brands like Zaana Jewelry, Island Bazaar, Bhelmi, Aurum & Grey, and Mango Maldives. Each piece tells a story and adds a touch of island charm to your collection.

Explore these options today to find your next favorite accessory.

[starfoam]

Actually, I want to talk about the tragedy of Luminous Lavellan for a minute in terms of its elements. Because it wasn't doomed from the start, and it could have been prevented - but also it was doomed, and it could never have gone any other way.

Luminous Lavellan was, by her core nature, a loving person. She respected all life, even that which she feared or whose choices she disagreed with (such as templars, for deeply obvious reasons), and she loved easily and with her whole heart. She cared so much and left herself open to get hurt.

This is great for a travel companion and even for a hero. It means she makes choices that emphasize doing the good thing over the fast thing, means she thinks in the long-term about how to best do what she's doing, means she understands the emotional wants of people - to an extent. She's far from omnipotent, but she'll do her best with what she has.

That last bit ties directly into why being all-loving made her a terrible choice for a chosen one, certainly for a sociopolitical and military leader. The choices she made and actions she took, or ordered others to take, weighed heavily on her. Her memory held onto mistakes and terrible costs far longer than victories. There was a reason she liked being on the field the most and judging crimes the least; deciding the fate of even truly cruel people took a toll that large victories just barely repaid. The happy moments were large, but far apart, and the difficult choices were constant, their price incremental but persistent. There was barely a balance between them to begin with.

All of this could have been countered by close relationships, friendly, familial and romantic. But that was an area she didn't feel she had any right to pursue. How could she? As the Herald, the Inquisitor, the Chosen One, she was placed in a situation where she had power over... everybody. Any friendship, any connection would come with strings attached, and there was nothing in relationships she hated more than people being obligated towards her in any way. So she let her peers set the terms of their friendships, and the near-universal call was: you are our leader. Stay at the front.

(Dorian Pavus looking at her and asking if she was alright after the events at Adamant was the closest to a personal conversation about herself she'd had in months. She almost cried.)

So she was stuck at the helm, alone, with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her identity was constantly poked and prodded at - aren't you ashamed of being Dalish? Why not? - and she held onto what little certainty she had as a lifeline, a safety net for her sanity. She just needed to hold on until the evil was defeated, and then she'd be free.

Turns out that wasn't true. Turns out there were a few more ropes in her safety net to cut.

By the time she claimed her victory as Inquisitor, she'd already given up on ever being Luminous again. And - because she had been presenting as her Inquisitor persona for a year, without rest or anyone in her clan to call her on it - almost no one really noticed. If they did, they didn't recognize how bad it was.

Two years later, she was gone. It was two years too late to save her.

[benjaminloveable]

35 Best Farewell Gifts For Friends Moving Away That They'll Treasure

Saying farewell to a loved one who has supported them through their highs and lows is a terrifying experience for everyone. Therefore, it seems sense that you want to express your sentiments to that individual even while you don't want to say anything overly sentimental for fear of holding them back. To assist you say goodbye to your friends and give them something useful and meaningful for their lives, there is nothing better than giving them lovely and distinctive gifts. It's fantastic news if your friends, coworkers, or family members move away for employment, school, or some other foolish reason since it will provide them a fresh life experience.

You can choose from a list of presents for friends who are moving away that we have put together. Those are practical gifts that your recipients will undoubtedly use on a regular basis. They are also reminded of you and this priceless friendship by it. Our suggested presents are also tailored to help you express your thoughts and provide the recipient your message. When your buddy receives a thoughtful present that you put your whole heart into, they will undoubtedly be moved. These kind gestures can turn into treasured remembrances between two people that your friends moving away will value.

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here 10 best ideas:

1. Personalized Besties Plant Pot

This Personalized Besties Plant Pot is the ideal option if you're looking for a heartfelt gift for your pal. It is a lovely illustration of your connection and will undoubtedly cheer up your friend.

This planter's personalized engraving turns it into a one-of-a-kind souvenir with sentimental value. The considerate inclusion of your friend's name gives it a more personal feel. This plant pot's dimensions—approximately 5 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter—are ideal for succulents or tiny indoor plants. With its small size, it can easily fit into any area, whether it's set up on a desk, shelf, or windowsill.

Pros:

Personalization enhances sentimental value.

Made with long-lasting materials for durability

Versatile design enhances a variety of plant types

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2. My Friendship Is Like A Candle

Looking for a non-verbal way to express your love for your bestie? Look at this sweet candle, which will let your friend feel the love with each flame flicker.

This fragrance candle comes in a 9 oz. glass jar, making it ideal for bringing a sense of coziness and warmth into any space. Pick from a selection of enveloping aromas that will take your friend to their happy place.

Pros:

Constructed from a 100% natural soy wax mixture.

Long after the flame has been extinguished, the smell is still present.

This gift for your friend can be customized to make it genuinely unique.

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3. You’ll Always Be My Best-Tea Mug

Looking everywhere for a heartfelt and meaningful present to give to your closest friend? This You'll Always Be My Best-Tea Mug is the ideal gift because it expresses affection, gratitude, and the beloved relationship.

With its estimated 11 ounce capacity, the mug has room for a substantial amount of tea, coffee, or any other preferred beverage. It is made with an ergonomic handle and a smooth, traditional shape that is comfortable in the hand. The possibility of personalisation is what makes this cup absolutely exceptional. You can add a special touch that demonstrates your thoughtfulness by personalizing the mug with the name of your best buddy or another sweet nickname.

Pros:

Honors the unique relationship and friendship

Durability provided by high-quality ceramic structure

A cozy handle for a secure grip

Heartfelt and sentimental message

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4. Personalized Characters White Mug

You've discovered the perfect present to surprise your silly yet sincere friend. It is a white mug with custom characters.

The receiver can use this practical item to enjoy a beverage made of high-quality ceramic material. A distinctive nutritional panel of characters is embellished on the double-sided print design. This is your moment to let the receiver know that you understand what they are going through and how you feel.

Pros:

Practical C-handle design

Safe with hot beverages

Put the recipient's name and other specifics in

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5. Sentimental Lamp Gifts For Best Moving Away Friends

Your closest friend has to move far away for some reason—perhaps to study overseas or take a job that is far away—but the two of you are no longer close. You should offer her an anniversary gift on the day of the goodbye celebration so that she will remember you after she is gone or give a gift that symbolizes good luck rather than just wishing you luck. What do you think of this lamp marketed as "Sentimental Lamp Gifts For Best Moving Away Friends"? She will undoubtedly adore and treasure it if it has a stunning design and a meaningful message.

Pross

To deepen friendship

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Numerous hues

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6. Custom Appearance Acrylic Plaque 

Is it difficult to choose a thoughtful present for your best friend? Our Custom Appearance Acrylic Plaque beautifully and heartfeltly conveys your friendship.

It provides a unique personal touch that will be treasured forever to have the option to submit a photo that is meaningful to you both. The plaque's use of premium acrylic assures a clear presentation of the image you choose. It is a multipurpose decor item that may be displayed on a desk or shelf thanks to its sleek form and small size. With this one-of-a-kind present that honors your friendship, surprise your best friend.

Pros:

Personalize with a treasured photograph

High-definition display quality

Compact and svelte design

Versatile for a range of display possibilities

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7. Miles Apart Canvas For Friend Farewell Gift

You won't be able to see your best buddy as much now that she has moved or is studying overseas. You are unsure of the appropriate gift to give your best buddy as a parting gift that is both heartfelt and appropriate for their feelings.

Please present her with a Miles Apart canvas decorated with your photo as a farewell gift. This canvas' vibrant colors will liven up the dull wall where she is heading. The product can last for a long time in any temperature because of its small size and plastic covering on the surface.

Pros

Name, wording, year, and pictures can all be customized.

The durable canvas

Emotional present

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8. You Don’t Have To Be Crazy Personalized Accent Mug For Bestfriend

Personalized Accent Mug for Bestfriend: You Don't Have To Be Crazy This custom mug is everything you need if you want to make a special memory with your best buddy.

This mug is made of premium ceramic and is embellished from top to bottom with a full-wrap print that reads "You Don't Have To Be Crazy To Be My Friend" and your custom name. Your best buddy will undoubtedly appreciate this thoughtful gift, which will make their day.

Pros:

A remembrance that will endure

A special cup that is oven, dishwasher, and microwave safe.

Take his or her drinking to a new level.

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9. Best Farewell Gifts Wooden Plaque 3 Layers

Want to remember a particular occasion with a thoughtful farewell gift? The Best Farewell Gifts Wooden Plaque 3 Layers is a stunning and unique remembrance that will leave them speechless.

This wooden plaque is the perfect size for hanging or setting on a shelf. It is a timeless and alluring gift because to its globe-shaped design and excellent craftsmanship. A priceless gift, The Finest Goodbye Gifts Wooden Plaque 3 Layers serves as a constant remembrance of a special occasion.

Pros

A three-layer wooden structure provides complexity and depth.

Printing a custom night sky map adds a touch of personalization.

Premium craftsmanship and a globe-shape design for a timelessly attractive appearance.

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10. Friends Are Like Stars They Are Always There – Photo Clip Frame

Do you realize that a photo frame can serve more purposes than just preserving special images? This souvenir is a way to express your affection for your dear friends with our Friends Are Like Stars They Are Always There - Photo Clip Frame.

This is a personalized item that enables you to design every aspect yourself. You can alter the background color, text color, custom names, and photographs to fit the demands of the recipient.

Pros:

A special present for your buddies that will absolutely astound them

Names and/or photos personalized

A token of affection and concern

Buy now